Finding a baby bird on the ground can be an overwhelming experience, especially when you are out for a run and far from home. Recently, a Reddit user shared a heartwarming story of a baby hummingbird rescue that highlights the importance of acting quickly when a bird is in a vulnerable position.
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See Today's PriceWhile out running, the individual discovered the tiny hummingbird alone on a sidewalk. After searching the immediate area, they were unable to locate a nest, and it was clear the bird was not in a safe spot to be left on its own.
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Determined to help, the rescuer carried the bird for five miles to get it home safely.
Getting Professional Help for a Baby Hummingbird
If you’re unable to help the bird, wildlife professionals or rehabilitators may be able to assist you. A state wildlife agency may not come out to rescue a single hummingbird, but a wildlife rehab agency could help provide a happy outcome for you and your feathered acquaintance.
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If you’re certain that a bird requires human help and you take it to a wildlife rehabilitator, don’t give it food. The WildCare hospital says that baby hummingbirds can choke on the food, and are most likely to survive if brought directly to professional care.
If you find a sick or injured hummingbird, it’s important to act quickly if you wish to help it recover. Find your local wildlife rehabilitation center using this page from NWRA and call them immediately to discuss the right steps to help your feathered friend.
Getting Professional Help
Once they reached a safe location, the rescuer was able to contact a hummingbird rehabilitation center in Los Angeles. Thanks to their efforts, the hummingbird is now receiving professional care.
The rehab center has promised to send updates and photos once the little bird is healthy, grown, and ready to fly back into the wild.
It is a great reminder that if you find a bird in distress, the best course of action is to contact local wildlife rehabilitators who have the specialized knowledge to provide the care these delicate creatures need.
Baby hummingbird rescue checklist
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| A hummingbird you cannot help yourself | Needs more than home care | Call wildlife professionals or rehabilitators |
| One stranded hummingbird | State agency may not respond to a single bird | Try a wildlife rehab agency instead |
| A baby hummingbird in hand | Can choke on food you offer | Do not give it food |
| You have already picked it up | Survival depends on skilled care | Bring it directly to professional care |
| A sick or injured hummingbird | Needs fast help | Find a local rehab center via NWRA |
| You found the bird just now | Delay lowers recovery odds | Call immediately to discuss the right steps |
| You want a happy outcome | Home treatment is not enough | Let a rehab agency handle the bird |
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